While Migala is currently immersed in the world of MLB, the foul pole is a clear indication that he’s still in touch with the creative spirit of the Minors. So how did the foul pole come into being, Dan?

“We created this specifically for TaylorMade,” he explained via email. “It was really a creative process that just made sense, especially when you focus on the parallel values of the golf driver and the home run: power, distance, drive, etc. I had an a-ha moment that this is the perfect way to market a golf club in a baseball stadium, give them a dominant presence and allow them to authentically be a part of the game. We’re now referring to balls hit down the line as ‘Amen Corner.’”

While such radical foul pole transformation is a first for the Majors, Migala mentioned that his Promotional Seminar days served as an influence.

“There’s been a few iterations of the foul pole but my favorite was one that Darrin Gross (now with the Oakland A’s) did in Lake Elsinore in the late 90s with a local dentist and turned it into a toothbrush.”

But the foul pole revolution has only just begun.

“From a marketing perspective, this makes sense because of the authentic nature of it,” wrote Migala. “You’re establishing new inventory to the park but you’re doing it in a way where you’re enhancing what’s already there versus another sign on the wall. That’s why it’s resonating so well, and I’d imagine will create more versions to come.”

So let’s go Minor League teams! It’s time to take back the title of “most creative foul pole advertising in professional baseball.” If you currently have some ideas to share, or something in the works, then let me know!

Minor League ballparks are hospitable places, rolling out the red carpet for sitcom stars, sexagenarian wrestlers and eccentric hurlers alike.

Today’s edition of “Promo Year in Review” features my top six celebrity appearances of the year, highlighting a half-dozen bold-faced names who graced the ballpark with their presence. But, as always, I need YOU to tell me who I’ve missed. Get in touch via email or Twitter and let me know, as suggestions for this and previous categories will be accepted through 10 a.m. Monday.

I don’t have a picture from this picture, but here are their respective Wikipedia photos:

Duty compels me to once again mention that I need your input. What celebrities caused a sensation at YOUR Minor League ballpark this year. And — hey! — I know you’re reading. There’s no escape. Get in touch. Are you going to let my complete neglect of sexagenarian wrestlers go uncriticized?

Those who like to bet on horses are accustomed to seeing racing mares, but it took the Tri-City ValleyCats to bring racing mayors to the masses.

Perhaps inspired by the Washington Nationals’ popular Racing Presidents, the ValleyCats have recently initiated a nightly competition between a triumvirate of municipal government leaders. Each racer represents one of the Tri-Cities, naturally: Albany mayor Jerry Jennings, Troy mayor Harry Tutunjian, and Schnectady mayor Brian Stratton. While not on the field, the three are apparently quite friendly with one another:

The comedian’s memorable foray into the Minors has been commemorated with what is destined to be one of the most sought-after cards of 2010. Behold:

The card is part of the Pacific Coast League’s “Top Prospects” set, which, in addition to Rojo, includes 35 of the circuit’s most promising players. 3892 of these cardboard beauties were produced; here’s the breakdown:

-2892 complete
sets belonging to the 16 PCL teams/league office

-500 individual
cards belonging to the Cancer for College charity

-170 uncut press
sheets belonging to the 16 PCL teams/league office

The sets belonging to PCL clubs are currently available for sale at their respective team stores. Meanwhile,Cancer for College will be making available their 500 Rojo cards at a later date. 100 of these cards will be signed and numbered by Ferrell, and can only be obtained via a donation to the organization.

Who knows what will become of the cards belonging to Mr. Ferrell? Like the hair residing above Rojo’s upper lip, that’s his personal stash.

This has been Ben’s Biz Blog post #500. Thank you for your continued patronage.

Johnson, who was born in East Texas but was raised in Venezuela, recently had his prison sentence commuted. He served time for running a smuggling ring that imported rare and illegal species of reptiles into the United States from South America during the mid-to-late 1990s. Thursday night’s game marks Johnson’s first in American professional baseball after a storied career in the Venezuelan leagues.

Rojo entered the ballgame in the top of the sixth inning, and lasted just one pitch (seen above). Then, chaos erupted. Let’s go to the video (jeez, way to give away the joke, video description):

Rojo’s outfield headlock of the rampaging “number four” was an impromptu tribute to Express owner Nolan Ryan, who famously handled Robin Ventura in the same manner. The similarities end there, however: Ryan never drank Budweiser on the mound, let alone sprayed it on an angry opponent. And he certainly refrained from the illicit smuggling of South American lizards.

My indefatigable MiLB.com colleague Danny Wild was all over this story last night, working until dawn in order to bring it to the masses. Click HERE for a recap and photo gallery. Further snapshots are available on the Express’s Facebook page, and a local television news piece can be viewed HERE.

Meanwhile, Rojo’s “friend” Will Ferrell is in the Round Rock area today for the “Will Powered Golf Tournament” (which benefits College for Cancer, an organization providing college scholarships to cancer survivors). No word yet on whether “Rojo” will make an appearance, ready to show the world that his golf skills are commensurate with those he displayed on the mound.

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